P. Jäschke
D. Herzog
C. Nölke
B. Henning
H. Haferkamp

Investigations into the sealing of heat damaged areas by applying polymer powders during laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced composites

Advanced Engineering Materials
7
12
587-590
2010
Type: Zeitschriftenaufsatz (reviewed)
Abstract
Endless carbon fiber reinforced plastics are recognized as having the greatest lightweight construction potential of all materials. Fully automated process chains for the manufacturing of composite structures are needed in order to achieve production rates and cycle times required in many industrial sectors. In this paper, a new technique, based on the in situ sealing of the kerf during high power laser cutting by application of polymer powder is presented. The degree of sealing is analyzed as a function of powder mass flow as well as carrying gas flow and it is shown that moisture uptake can be reduced compared to unsealed laser cut specimens.